Department of Numbers

Iowa Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Iowa fell 0.1 percentage points in September 2021 to 4.0%. The state unemployment rate was 0.8 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Iowa peaked in April 2020 at 11.1% and is now 7.1 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.6% in January 2021, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.4 percentage points. You can also see Iowa unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate September 2021 Month/Month Year/Year
National 4.8% -0.4 -3.0
Iowa 4.0% -0.1 -0.7

Unemployment Rate: Iowa, National

Iowa monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to September 2021

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Iowa Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Iowa peaked in April 2020 at 190,195. There are now 124,090 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 58,010 in January 2021, the number of unemployed has now grown by 8,095. Iowa job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons September 2021 Month/Month Year/Year
Iowa 66,105 -1,900 -9,954

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Iowa from 1990 to September 2021

Iowa Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate		 Iowa
Unemployment Rate		 Iowa
Unemployed
September 2021 4.8% 4.0% 66,105
August 2021 5.2% 4.1% 68,005
July 2021 5.4% 4.1% 67,616
June 2021 5.9% 4.0% 66,639
May 2021 5.8% 3.9% 64,002
April 2021 6.1% 3.8% 62,161
March 2021 6.0% 3.7% 60,818
February 2021 6.2% 3.7% 60,695
January 2021 6.3% 3.6% 58,010
December 2020 6.7% 3.7% 59,879
November 2020 6.7% 3.9% 64,160
October 2020 6.9% 4.2% 69,180

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